War of 1812 Essay Rough Draft

War of 1812

Introduction

The War of 1812 is sometimes called the "Second War of Independence" the "forgotten war,” or the "war of poor communication" It was fought until 1815 between the United States and Great Britain. This war was caused mainly by the United States dislike of British naval harassment. The British were already at war with France. They seized American ships and took seamen from them, some who were United States citizens. The British also tried to keep United States ships from reaching French ports. Two days before the declaration of war, Great Britain agreed to repeal the naval laws, which were primarily responsible for the war. Speedy communication would have also eliminated the greatest battle, the Battle of New Orleans that occurred 15 days after a peace treaty had been signed. Both sides claimed victory.
There were five primary causes of the War of 1812

• The United States had won its independence from Britain with the Revolutionary War, but the British had never left American. Many Americans believed that they would never be truly independent if the British remained.
• Many Americans wanted to expand beyond the borders they had won with their independence.
• Another problem with expansion were Indian rebellions in the northwestern territories. Many Americans blamed the British, believing that these rebellions were started and supported by the British.

Great Britain and France were at war from 1793 to 1801. These wars had a big effect on the United States. The fighting nations would not trade with each other, but still needed supplies. The United States was able to trade with both, as a neutral power, bringing income to United States merchants. With the growth of American exports, the United States began to prosper. In 1806 the French issued a blockade, or stop, to all British trade in Europe. In answer to this blockade, the British issued their own, a blockade of France from all trade.

• The Americans were caught in the middle. As the Americans tried to continue their prosperous trade, many of their ships were seized by both the British and the French, for violating these blockades. This made many American merchants very angry, and it hurt American trade with the loss of transportation and goods.
• The British began stopping American vessels to look for British Navy deserters. When seamen suspected of being deserters were found, they were removed and forced into serving the British. This was called impressments. Free American men were taken and forced into serving Great Britain this angered many Americans. Between 1803 and 1812, thousands of American-born sailors were impressed to serve in the British Navy.